The Tatacoa Desert, located in the Huila Department of Colombia, is a remarkable semi-arid region that enchants visitors with its surreal, otherworldly landscapes. Contrary to its name, it's not a true desert but rather a dry tropical forest. Its defining features include striking red and gray clay formations, labyrinthine canyons, and towering cacti. The Tatacoa Desert is renowned as a prime stargazing destination, with exceptionally clear night skies and an astronomical observatory. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and exploration of its unique geological formations, creating an unforgettable and almost Martian-like experience for those who venture there.
How to get there?
This secret gem located a few hours from the capital of Colombia, and should be on your bucket list! Getting there is very easy
By Bus
From Bogotá: Take a bus at the Salitre Terminal, the ticket will cost you around $60,000 ($14USD). The journey will be around 6 to 7 hours.
From Medellín: Take a bus from the North or South Terminal of the city, the ticket will cost around $90,000 ($21USD). The journey will be around 11 to 12 hours.
By Plane
From any city you can buy a plane ticket to Neiva. Ticket prices are always changing, you can check availability in these websites
Once in Neiva you will have to take another bus on the Terminal to the town of Villavieja, the ride is about 1.5 hours and it costs around $10.000 ($2.5USD)
What to do?
The Red Desert
The Tatacoa Desert is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a surreal and adventurous escape in the heart of Colombia. There's a myriad of activities to experience its captivating landscapes.
The "Red Desert" within the Tatacoa Desert is a visually striking area distinguished by its vibrant rust-colored clay and sand formations. These dramatic crimson and orange landscapes create a surreal and almost Martian-like setting, offering a unique backdrop for exploration and photography. The Red Desert features rugged canyons, eroded rock formations, and towering cacti, all contributing to its otherworldly charm. It's an ideal place for hiking and admiring the striking natural artistry of the earth, making it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the Tatacoa Desert's captivating terrain.
The Grey Desert & Valley of Los Xilópalos
The "Grey Desert" and the "Valley of Los Xilópalos" in the Tatacoa Desert are captivating areas characterized by their remarkable gray and silvery geological formations. These landscapes create an ethereal, lunar-like ambiance, providing a stark contrast to the nearby Red Desert. The Grey Desert's terrain is adorned with intricate, eroded clay structures, and its unique palette of colors, ranging from ashy grays to silvery whites, makes it a photographer's dream. The Valley of Los Xilópalos, within the Grey Desert, features tall cacti and other distinctive desert vegetation. It's a place where visitors can explore the desert's geological history, hike through canyons, and revel in the stark beauty of this surreal environment, offering a stark but captivating contrast to the vibrant Red Desert in Tatacoa.
Stargazing in the Desert
The Tatacoa Astronomical Observatory (OATA) provides incredible sightings with explanations, entry has a cost of around $10,000 ($2.4USD)
It is surely one of the attractions that you do not want to miss!
The Tatacoa Desert in Colombia is renowned for its exceptional stargazing and astronomical observation opportunities. Here's what you can expect when engaging in astronomical observation at Tatacoa:
Clear Skies: Tatacoa is known for having some of the clearest and darkest night skies in Colombia. Its remote location and low light pollution make it an ideal spot for stargazing.
Astronomical Observatories: There are a few observatories in the area, such as the Tatacoa Astronomical Observatory, that offer guided tours and telescope observations. Experienced astronomers and guides explain celestial phenomena, constellations, and provide insights into the night sky.
Stellar Highlights: Visitors can witness an array of astronomical wonders, including breathtaking views of stars, planets, galaxies, and meteor showers. The Milky Way is particularly vivid in the Tatacoa night sky.
Educational Experience: Astronomical observation in Tatacoa is not only visually stunning but also educational. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the cosmos and our place in the universe through guided tours and informative talks.
Night Photography: The dark skies and stunning landscapes make Tatacoa a paradise for astrophotography. Many visitors capture awe-inspiring images of the night sky, often with the desert's unique geological formations as foreground.
Comfortable Conditions: The desert's warm climate, even at night, provides comfortable conditions for extended stargazing sessions.
When planning to observe the night sky in Tatacoa, it's advisable to check the observatories' schedules and consider visiting during moonless nights for the best stargazing conditions. Bringing a tripod for photography and warm clothing for nighttime comfort can enhance the experience. Enjoying the enchanting celestial display in Tatacoa is a memorable and educational adventure for astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
